---
title: Does the menstrual cycle affect mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder?
description: Yes, for many women. Many women with bipolar disorder experience changes in depressive, manic or hypomanic episodes linked to their menstrual cycle, though th
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effects-of-the-menstrual-cycle-on-bipolar-disorder-2014/
---

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- Does the menstrual cycle affect mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder?

Review, 2014

# Does the menstrual cycle affect mood episodes in women with bipolar disorder?

Yes, for many women. Many women with bipolar disorder experience changes in depressive, manic or hypomanic episodes linked to their menstrual cycle, though this varies widely between women.

 Moderate study design

Women with bipolar disorder (from published case reports and studies)

## What they did

Systematic review of case reports and research studies published through March 2013. Identified 25 case reports, 10 retrospective studies, and 11 prospective studies.

## What they found

64% of case reports involved manic or hypomanic episodes in the premenstrual phase. In retrospective studies, 25-77% of women with bipolar disorder met criteria for PMS and 15-27% met criteria for PMDD. Menstrual cycle-related mood changes were reported by 64-68% of women in retrospective studies and were shown by 44-65% of women in prospective studies.

## What it means for you

A substantial portion of women with bipolar disorder experience mood changes linked to their menstrual cycle, though effects vary widely. Some women may have particular sensitivity to hormonal changes. Research has focused mainly on the premenstrual phase, and the studies included were of mixed quality.

64%

Case reports with manic episodes in premenstrual phase

25-77%

Retrospective studies showing PMS rate

44-65%

Prospective studies showing menstrual cycle effects

## About the study

Original title Effects of the menstrual cycle on bipolar disorder Authors Teatero ML, Mazmanian D, Sharma V Journal Bipolar disorders Year 2014 Study design Review What was tested None Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/bdi.12138](https://doi.org/10.1111/bdi.12138)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Bipolar disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-bipolar/)

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## Related studies

Study, 2026

Do anxiety and depression get worse before your period if you already have a mental health condition?

Survey study, 2026

What is the true rate of PMDD, and does it worsen mental health conditions?

Cohort study, 2022

Do women with both bipolar disorder and PMDD have worse biological rhythm disruptions?

Cohort study, 2004

Do women with bipolar disorder on mood-stabilizing medication experience premenstrual symptom worsening?

Review, 2025

How does the menstrual cycle affect psychiatric symptoms like depression and anxiety?

Survey study, 2022

What factors make PMS mood swings worse?

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